Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cattle country and is made up of two separate sections: the eastern (Victoria River) sec-
tion and the much larger Bullita section in the west. While some parts of the park are ac-
cessible by 2WD, it's the rough-as-guts, dry-season-only 4WD tracks that are the most
rewarding; for these you need to be self-sufficient and to register (call 1300 650 730).
Parks & Wildlife
( 08-8975 0888; 7am-4.30pm)
in Timber Creek can provide park
and 4WD notes, and a map to the various walks, camping spots, tracks and the historic
homestead and ruggedly romantic original stockyards − a must before heading in. This is
crocodile country; swimming isn't safe.
There's 2WD accessible bush camping at
Big Horse Creek
(adult/child $3.30/1.75)
,
7km west of Timber Creek.
Keep River National Park
parks/find/keepriver
)
is noted for its stunning sandstone formations, beautiful desolation
and rock art. Pamphlets detailing walks are available at the start of the excellent trails.
Don't miss the
rock-art walk
(5.5km return, two hours) near Jarnem, and the
gorge walk
(3km return, two hours) at Jinumum.
The park entrance is just 3km from the WA border. You can reach the park's main
points by conventional vehicle during the Dry. A
rangers station
( 08-9167 8827)
lies
3km into the park from the main road, and there are basic, sandstone-surrounded
camp-
ing grounds
(adult/child $3.30/1.65)
at Gurrandalng (18km into the park) and Jarnem
(32km). Tank water is available at Jarnem.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Mataranka & Elsey National Park
POP 244
With soothing, warm thermal springs set in pockets of palms and tropical vegetation,
you'd be mad not to pull into Mataranka for at least a few hours to soak off the road dust.
The small settlement regularly swells with towel-toting visitors shuffling to the thermal
pool or the spring-fed Elsey National Park. If you see Mataranka referred to as the 'capit-
al of the Never Never', it's a reference to Jeannie Gunn's 1908 autobiographical novel
We of the Never Never,
about life as a pioneering woman on nearby Elsey Station − the
deeds of title of which have since been returned to the Mangarayi indigenous owners.
1
Sights & Activities
